Jim McElwain introduced as Colorado State's new head coach

View full sizeJim McElwain at his introductory press conference at Colorado State (Photo | DenverPost.com)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - Jim McElwain wore a suit with a green tie, and sat beside his family on a stage ready to sell his brand of football to Colorado State.

Alabama's offensive coordinator for four seasons was introduced as the Rams' new head coach Tuesday at a press conference in Fort Collins, Colorado.

McElwain is currently recruiting players for Colorado State, and will continue to do so until the recruiting dead period begins Monday. Then he will return to Alabama to begin preparations for the Crimson Tide's Jan. 9 BCS Championship Game in New Orleans against LSU.

Saban met with staff members Monday, according to a source, to begin searching for McElwain's replacement. That decision might take several weeks, the source said.

"It was simple once I was able to find the passion, and the commitment from the top," McElwain said of his decision to lead Colorado State. "Being part of that team is where you want to be. It was one of those deals as soon as you felt that, you felt the energy, you felt where they want to go with the university and with the football program, that's what you want to be a part of."

McElwain agreed to a five-year contract worth $1.35 million annually. He can receive an additional $150,000 in bonuses based on graduation rate and no NCAA violation. The contract also includes a buyout clause.

McElwain replaces Steve Fairchild, who finished with three consecutive 3-9 seasons and a 16-33 overall record. Fairchild reportedly made $700,000.

McElwain, who had received a one-year contract extension that paid him $510,000 this season, had interviewed at jobs at Memphis and Fresno State before accepting the Colorado State job.

"Those are great places," McElwain said. "They've all got wonderful things to offer. I know this, I'm excited to be a Ram. That's the one great thing about this place."

Colorado State athletic director Jack Graham said the search began with roughly 100 names. He also used a behavioral psychologist to help him separate his gut instincts to help dissect the true person and help him identify the right candiate objectively.

McElwain talked about branding Colorado State into a national destination, but not before keeping top recruits within state borders. He also talked about opening up his offense after the challenges of the SEC.

"When you look at my background offensively we threw it all over the park before I had gotten to Alabama," McElwain said. "I tried to throw it all over the park the first spring there. When there were some of these SEC guys that were rushing us I learned we'd better do some other stuff. And also we were built that way."